A Will to make plays

If it seems like linebacker Will Witherspoon has been in on almost every defensive play all over the field for the Rams lately, well, that’s not too far from reality.

“There’s not many things Will can’t do,” Rams coach SCOTT LINEHAN was quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, adding, “I haven’t seen anything yet. He’s an extremely talented player.

“We know he can run and cover and tackle from sideline to sideline. One of things we’ve been forced to do and have done successfully since LEONARD (LITTLE, defensive end) has been out is find different ways to rush and utilize his skills. You’ve seen in the last couple ball games now that he’s been used a little bit more there.”

Witherspoon has a team-leading 77 tackles through 10 games, 27 more than anyone else on the team. He has recorded four sacks and one fumble recovery.

“He’s been able to create a pass rush from that position,” Linehan said. “We don’t always want to do it. Certainly they can key in on that and put some added help that way, but you can slip it in here and there. Will’s very effective there.

“The other thing he does is put pressure on the quarterback when he doesn’t sack him because of his speed and his ability to turn the corner, so that’s been a real bonus for us the last couple of games.”

RAMS RIDDLE: Quarterback Marc Bulger and wide receiver Torry Holt are tied for second for the most touchdown passes among active quarterback/receiver combos in the NFL with 42. Who are they tied with? Answer below.

NEXT UP: The 2-8 Rams’ surprise two-game winning streak will be put to a serious test against 6-4 Seattle this weekend at the Edward Jones Dome.

The Seahawks crushed the Rams 33-6 last month in Seattle, dominating play 23-3 in the second half to turn a close game into a rout. It was the fifth straight Seattle victory over St. Louis — the longest winning streak for either team in their series.

In October, Seattle sacked Bulger a season-high seven times, including four by defensive end Darryl Trapp. Bulger also was hit hard on a number of other plays and got very little help from the Rams running game, which netted a season-worst 53 yards.

WELCOME BACK: Given the porous nature of the Rams’ piecemeal offensive line Sunday at San Francisco, where Bulger was sacked six times, the return of offensive lineman Todd Steussie from a foot injury couldn’t be more welcomed.

Steussie, 36, has been out all season after fracturing his left foot in the preseason game against Kansas City and undergoing subsequent surgery. The Rams agreed to an injury settlement with Steussie within a mandatory five-day period, otherwise he would have been out for the season and would have received his full salary.

With the agreement in place, the Rams were able to bring him back and re-sign him this week. Once he had accepted the injury agreement, Steussie no longer was under contract with the Rams.

Despite Steussie’s extremely limited practice time, the Rams are looking to start him either at right guard or right tackle against the Seahawks.

“Knowing Todd, he’ll be available for this game,” Linehan said. “I know he’s in very good condition. He’s a veteran that works very hard at keeping in shape.

“Based on how we played offensively and how we played up front (at San Francisco), we’ve got to consider some type of adjustment for this next game.”

NAGGING INJURY: Offensive lineman Brett Romberg missed his third consecutive game last Sunday with a nagging high ankle sprain and was questionable for the Seahawks.

OSH GOSH: Free safety Oshiomogho “O.J.” Atogwe has been one of the Rams’ most productive defensive players over the past two seasons, recording six interceptions and seven forced fumbles in 26 games as a starter.

Atogwe has been in on 50 tackles — second on the team behind Witherspoon’s 77 — and has made three interceptions and recovered one fumble.

500 CLUB: The Rams’ 13-9 triumph at San Francisco was the 500th win in franchise history, dating back to 1937 and spanning stints in Cleveland, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

The Rams are the sixth NFL team to reach that plateau, behind the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

RIDDLE RESULT: Bulger and Holt are tied with the Indianapolis Colts duo of Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne for second place among active QB/receiver combos with 42 TD passes. Leading the list? Manning and Marvin Harrison with 107.

n END QUOTE: Linehan, quoted in the Post-Dispatch about the Rams not turning the ball over the last two weeks: “Two straight weeks without a turnover, and for us that’s two straight wins. That’s a great stat we can hold onto.”